USAID/OTI Angola Field Report
June 2004
Program Description
The OTI program in Angola was initiated in February 2003 to support the renewed opportunity for a lasting peace and increased democracy following the end of forty years of violent conflict. OTI is providing support in three areas: strengthening civil society advocacy capacity; strengthening media; and increasing local-level engagement between citizens and authorities in order to address community problems. OTI’s primary implementing partner is Creative Associates, International (CAII) and the FY 2004 budget is approximately $2.8 million.
Country Situation
There were few major developments in the overall country situation during June. Civil society activists and opposition political parties continued their demands that President Jose Eduardo dos Santos and the MPLA ruling party establish an elections date and time table. Among other moves, a number of opposition political parties recently withdrew from participating in the Constitutional revision process currently underway in Angola. Although a date for elections has still not been set, President dos Santos stated that he has called for a meeting of the Council of the Republic which will take place on July 2, 2004 in order to discuss setting a date for elections. The Council of the Republic is a consultative body, presided over by the President, whose members consist of both key governmental leaders as well as civil society representatives. An official press release also announced that the President plans to meet with other civil society representatives at the same time.
Few dispute the importance of national elections for Angola’s transition to a post-war democratic state. At the same time, some analysts and private news sources continued to emphasize that given the enormous social problems that continue to plague most Angolans, elections come second to economic recovery, education and other more immediate needs.
During June, confirmation hearings were held in Washington for outgoing Ambassador Christopher Dell and his incoming replacement, Cynthia Efird. Both were confirmed by the Senate. Ambassador Dell will depart Angola in July for his new assignment as US Ambassador to Zimbabwe. Cynthia Efird’s arrival date in Angola has not yet been announced.
USAID/OTI Highlights
A. Narrative Summary
Creative Associates, International is now focused on completing its program and office close-out by September 30, 2004. During June, OTI focused on monitoring and assessing existing activities in preparation for program close-out.
No new grants were approved in June and no new grants will be funded through Creative Associates, International. Most current grants are now closed, although a few activities may continue into August, 2004.
B. Grants Activity Summary
| Media Strengthening |
$0 |
$ 125,356 |
0 |
5 |
| Civil Society Advocacy Capacity |
$0 |
$1,142,588 |
0 |
30 |
| Citizen Engagement with Local Authorities |
$0 |
$ 632,801 |
0 |
15 |
TOTAL
(June 2004) |
$0 |
$1,900,745 |
0 |
50 |
NEXT STEPS/IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES
During July, CAII will finalize its close-out plans and work closely with local staff and grantees to ensure successful completion of all small grants activities and a smooth program close-out.
For further information, please contact:
In Washington: Angela Martin at 202-712-5434, amartin@usaid.gov
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